Hiking Forever Wild's Coon Creek tract in Tallapoosa County

Britt BlakeAlive with the sounds of songbirds, woodpeckers and insects, a scenic slough on this Forever Wild Coon Creek hike offers opportunities for spotting wildlife.

By Britt Blake

Forever Wild's Coon Creek Tract in Tallapoosa County provides a public boat launch and two hiking trails on the slough of Coon Creek at Yates Lake.

Four miles out and back, the Wood Duck Trail travels along the slough before crossing Coon Creek and skirting the opposite side of the slough.

The hike is easy except for the crossing of Coon Creek. A footbridge over the usually shallow creek is currently closed for repairs, so the creek must be forded. With a high opposite bank, scout upstream for an easier crossing.

Beyond the creek crossing, there are occasional views of the slough before the trail veers into interior forest. At the end of the path, two spur trails lead to the water's edge. Enjoy pristine lake scenery before the two-mile trek back to the trailhead.

The Wood Duck Trail is a great place to spot wildlife. I saw a pair of river otters, a couple of ducks, woodpeckers, songbirds, and the tail of a snake disappearing into the weeds as I walked past. I found tracks from deer and smaller animals and spied trees gnawed by beavers.

For the best chance of spotting wildlife, stop frequently and walk slowly and quietly with alert eyes and ears.

The one-mile Overlook Loop visits the tract's highest elevation. The short climb is steep with numerous switchbacks. Watch carefully for turns. The reward for the climb is a flat hilltop perfect for a picnic.

I enjoyed summer's lush foliage on the loop, but views from the hillside overlooking the water will be better when leaves are off the trees. A short section along the water's edge provides unobstructed views.

Neither trail seems heavily-traveled, which makes for a peaceful walk. The paths are often faint, but red paint blazes help keep the correct route. Wear hiking boots and pack water shoes to cross Coon Creek.

Admission is free. Trails are open from daylight until dusk. There are no facilities at the trailhead.

For a trail map and alternate driving directions, visit www.outdooralabama.com and search for "Coon Creek tract."

Getting there

From Birmingham, take U.S. 280 East to Dadeville and turn right on Alabama 49 South. Turn right, then left with AL 49 and pass First Baptist Church on the right. Drive 18.3 miles and turn right on Macedonia Road. Drive 2.9 miles and turn right on Hicks Store Road. Drive a mile and turn right on Gravel Pit Drive, then take first right on Coon Creek Landing Road. The one-lane paved road with steep downhill ends at the trailhead in a mile. Facing boat launch, Wood Duck Trail begins at wooden post on the right. Overlook Loop begins at sign on left.